Hi Hawkeyes! Move in is right around the corner! I’m Kelsey, a returning student and a residential assistant. I will be moving back into the dorms early, so here are my tips and tricks for the big day:

1.) Do not open anything that is compressed or vacuum sealed

I know how exciting it can be to open some new things, but it is much easier to carry and pack a sealed and compressed bedding bag with a handle rather than a comforter balled up in a trash bag.

2.) Plastic Wrap is your BFF

Utilize space within the larger items you are packing. I put plastic dishes and cleaning supplies inside my refrigerator, shoes inside of my shoe rack, and all sorts of smaller things inside of a storage cart.

3.) Pack your trunk early

Things that won’t melt, go bad, or of value I pack in my trunk a few days early just to get a feel for how much space is actually in my car.

4.) Big stuff in the car first

You do not want to move everything you just put in your car to the ground just to get your laundry hamper and mini fridge in. Pack these first and pack the smaller things you have around them.

5.) Keep your clothes on their hangers

Keeping your clothes on your hangers allows for easy transport and conscious packing. You can group clothes together and keep them clean by putting them in a trash bag and wrapping the handles.